Apple's long-awaited successor to its "professional" tower desktop computer, the Mac Pro, has finally been released after having been banned in Europe since March.

The new Mac Pro, which resembles a black bin with a novel new tubular design and integrated turbine-like cooling system, will cost $3,000 and be available for purchase starting in December, built in the US.

The new Mac Pro reduces the user's ability to expand and upgrade the internal components of the computer for a more compact and efficient design. External expansion will be possible using the high-speed Thunderbolt 2 connection, as well as via USB 3.0.

The new Mac Pro is capable of supporting up to three 4K ultra high-definition displays, supported by powerful twin-graphics cards, processors and high-speed flash storage, while being 70% more energy efficient and quiet.

The old Mac Pro tower had been a staple of video and photo editing suites for years. However, an EU health and safety amendment put an increased regulatory requirement on computer manufacturers to put guards on cooling fans and extra protection around electrical ports. The old tower design of the Mac Pro lacked these additional safety features, leading to a sales ban in the EU, which took effect in March this year.